Dillema: Only 1 telephoto lens allowed

delhi wrote in post #2009042
no no... it's not a one lens solution. i already have short to mid range zoom covered. i just need a versatile telephoto.
i am just not sure whether the f4l + 1.4x tc would be a good combo should the odd time i want to venture out to the nearby wildlife parks to shoot animals/birds (photographically speaking). My budget is around that of the f4l or the 7-3IS. Also I like to be able to shoot portraits & sports every so often. Range wise, i feel the 7-3IS is perfect. Just not sure about the overall IQ and also losing f-stops....

for the zoo i usually go to 200-300mm is about right. these were shot with the 70-200f4 with 1.4 TC.

ed rader

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I think you're on the right track with the 70-200 F/4 or the 70-300 IS. Either would be perfect for a lightweight, walkaround, all purpose zoom. If you find yourself getting really into birds then down the road you could get a dedicated lens for that type of photography.

radar,
do you find yourself having to detach the f4l, attach the TC then attach the f4l to shoot and then redo over and over again? or you just leave the TC on. thing is, i don't know when i will need the TC see....

thanks for suggestion Dorman. it makes sense.

delhi wrote in post #2009297
radar,
do you find yourself having to detach the f4l, attach the TC then attach the f4l to shoot and then redo over and over again? or you just leave the TC on. thing is, i don't know when i will need the TC see....

thanks for suggestion Dorman. it makes sense.

no, not really. i use the lens a lot more without the TC. but when i go to the zoo or to the beach i use the lens both ways (as well as other lenses).

if the tide is out i'll use the TC because the dogs are farther out. if the tide is in i don't use the TC as often. at the zoo you can probably leave the TC on most of the time (at least i can).

taking the TC on and off is also a lot easier than swapping lenses.

i really don't find it a hassle and believe me i hate frequent lens changes.

the 70-300 is a very good lens but i've never used it. the 70-200f4 has prime-like quality throughout and is very useable wide open.

the lens is so great i wouldn't mind suffering a little inconvenience .

ed rader

btw, radar was that little three-fingered bastard in MASH !

What's your max budget and is weight an issue?

The newest version of the tokina 80-400 is getting some good reviews and the price ($650) is pretty good if budget is a consern.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …EG&addedTroughT​ype=search